In a press release yesterday, the Office for Civil Rights disclosed its findings and final resolution regarding sexual harassment and assault in West Contra Costa Unified School District in Richmond, California.

Evidence included verbal and physical conduct by students, including
sexual assaults, unwelcome touching, demands for sexual favors, and
the use of sexually derogatory language created a hostile environment
at district schools. OCR also found that students had been subjected to
sexual harassment by employees. In addition, the district was not in
compliance with the procedural requirements of Title IX, which include
adoption and publication of grievance procedures providing for prompt
and equitable resolution of complaints of sex discrimination and
designation of at least one employee to coordinate compliance with Title
IX.

“I am dismayed by the prevalence of sexual harassment and assault
occurring at elementary and secondary schools in West Contra Costa,”
said Catherine E. Lhamon, assistant secretary for civil rights.
“Although the district frequently reported known incidents of sexual
assaults to law enforcement for prosecution, the district did not fully
comply with its legal obligations under Title IX to take immediate
actions to eliminate the harassment, prevent its recurrence, and
address its effects, and to put proper procedures and protocols in
place. OCR stands ready to work with the district to help it realize
its commitments to preventing sexual harassment and sexual violence in
its schools through satisfaction of this agreement.”

Although this sounds like an easy case, it comes on the heals of various other significant agreements I have noted in recent months. Credit goes to OCR for what appears to be a more agressive approach to enforcement during Obama's second term.